People in Westmoreland County are describing the loss of local golf legend Arnold Palmer as heartbreaking.

"He touched a lot of people in so many ways, and a true gentleman," said Stu Hartman, of Greensburg. "I had the opportunity to meet him once, and he was the most down-to-earth guy. We're going to miss him terribly."

Palmer died Sunday at UPMC Shadyside of complications from heart problems. He was born and raised in Latrobe and had a major impact on the community.

"The image of Arnold Palmer was not conjured up. It wasn't created, it wasn't manufactured, there was no theater, there was no agency. Arnold was very, in one word, authentic," said Alastair Johnston, Palmer's longtime agent.

Saunders says Latrobe was ingrained in Palmer, and he loved living where he grew up.

"It's a great loss all over, but especially around here," said Gabe Monzo, executive director of the Westmoreland County Airport Authority, which is responsible for the operation of Arnold Palmer Regional Airport. "He was a great guy and did a lot for everyone, including the airport."

Palmer served on the airport authority and had a love of aviation and flying. Flags at the airport bearing his name were lowered to half-staff after his death.

"I think with his name being on the airport, it's important to us for what he was, for what he represented, that we try to maintain that throughout," said Monzo. "We think it's as an important part of the community as he was, and we'll do everything we can to make his name flourish."

People stopped by the airport on Monday and laid flowers at the feet of a statue of Palmer.

"We hate to see anyone pass on, but we're just so lucky to have had him in our community," said Hartman. "I just can't say enough about that. He was the best. The king."

Palmer was also the president and principal owner of the Latrobe Country Club. Workers declined to comment Monday morning on his death, but scheduled a news conference for Monday afternoon.

In Youngstown, signs of gratitude and thanks were put up at several businesses, saying, "Fly With Angels, Arnie."

"He sat with kings and queens and presidents, and he was just as happy as sitting with a bunch of guys from the mills or coal mines," said Monzo. "He wasn't pretentious. He's what everybody calls a good egg."

"We are just so blessed to have had him among us, and we're going to miss him," said Hartman.